A major renovation project for the Akron-Summit County Public Library is moving ahead, with the first branch closures now underway as part of a $160 million, voter-approved plan to modernize all 19 library buildings.
Summit County Council advanced legislation April 20 allowing bonds to be issued for the project, clearing the way for construction to begin.
Voters approved the 20-year, 1-mill bond issue in May of 2025, dedicating $160 million exclusively to building and infrastructure upgrades across the library system. The work is expected to take six to eight years to complete and will touch every location.
Akron-Summit County Public Library branches begin to close
The first phase of renovations is already affecting library access in several communities. The Tallmadge branch closed March 16 and is expected to remain closed through the summer of 2027. The Ellet branch is scheduled to close Saturday, May 9, followed by Nordonia Hills on Aug. 1. Both are expected to remain closed through the summer of 2027…